Frequently Asked Questions

Both are fire-rated classifications, but the test methods and performance levels are very different.

• Class A2 (EN 13501-1 / GB 8624-2012): practically non-combustible. The core is mineral-based, often aluminium hydroxide. In a fire it does not burn, does not release toxic gases and does not produce flaming droplets. Required for high-rise facades in many countries.
• Class B1 (GB 8624-2012): flame-retardant. The core is a low-smoke, fire-resistant polyethylene. It does not ignite easily and flame spread is slow. Required for mid-rise commercial projects where A2 is not specified.

For reference, our standard PE-core ACP without any FR upgrade is rated B2, normal flammable, and is suitable for interior decoration only.

It depends on your local building code and the building's height and use. The general pattern:

• High-rise residential or commercial, above about 24 m in most markets: A2
• Mid-rise commercial and public buildings: A2 or B1 depending on local code
• Low-rise commercial or interior partitions: standard PE core is usually acceptable

Send us the project location, building height and the local code reference — we will specify the right panel and provide test certificates.

Yes. We have current EN 13501-1 (A2-s1, d0) reports from an EU-notified body, GB 8624-2012 (A2 and B1) reports from the China National Center for Building Materials Testing, and ASTM E84 (Class A) reports for the North American market. Certificates and recent test data are available on request.

For 1220 × 2440 × 4 mm panels with 0.5 mm skins — the most common size — a 20ft container holds approximately 3,500 m², around 1,200 panels, in nude packing, or about 3,300 m² (around 1,120 panels) in wooden-pallet packing. A 40ft HQ container holds about 8,500 m².

Exact loading depends on panel thickness, length and whether wooden crates are requested.

Two standard options:

• Nude packing: panels stacked on a wooden pallet, wrapped in protective film and secured with steel strapping. The most economical option, preferred for full-container shipments to one destination.
• Wooden-pallet packing: each panel edge protected with a cardboard corner, pallet wrapped, with additional protection for long-term storage or break-bulk orders. Adds about 3% to cost.

Custom crating for LCL shipments is also available.

Most commonly FOB Shanghai or Ningbo, CIF to a named port, CFR, and EXW from our factory in Jiangyin. We ship regularly to the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Africa, so we usually have competitive freight rates to share.

Yes, but LCL is only economical for orders above 200 m². Below that, air freight sample service is usually faster and not much more expensive. We can also arrange LCL to most major ports through our forwarder partners.

Standard warranty by coating type:

• PVDF exterior: 15–20 years
• FEVE exterior: 25+ years
• PE interior: 10 years
• HDPE interior: 10 years

Warranty covers abnormal fading, chalking, peeling and delamination under normal use. Project-specific terms are negotiable for orders above 5,000 m².

ALUCOVERBOND is certified to ISO 9001 for quality management and ISO 14001 for environmental management, carries CE marking for European conformity including EN 13501-1 fire classification, is SGS-tested with annual third-party verification, and holds GB 8624-2012 A2 and B1 fire ratings.

For new customers: 30% T/T deposit, 70% balance against a copy of the B/L. For established accounts after three successful orders we can discuss 30/70 with longer payment terms, L/C at sight, or O/A terms for qualified buyers.

Document the damage on the B/L at the time of receipt — this is critical for the claim to be valid — take photographs, and notify us within 7 days. We will either ship replacement panels with your next order or arrange a credit note. For shipments with our nominated forwarder we also carry transport insurance and file the claim on your behalf.